Ultrasonic Vehicle Detection Around Obstacles on Non-Linear Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Partially and fully-automated vehicles struggle to detect non-visible vehicles in environments obstructed by obstacles, such as road work fences or parked cars, which increases the risk of collision and reduces the safety of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
The method employs proximity sensors, specifically ultrasonic sensors, to emit and receive periodic ultrasonic pulses that can propagate through non-linear paths, allowing detection of non-visible vehicles behind obstacles, and processes these signals to determine distance and speed, warning the driver or ADAS of potential collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar and camera sensors are used for obstacle detection, then the system can detect visible vehicles and objects, but it cannot detect non-visible vehicles obscured by obstacles such as road work fences or parked cars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary detection medium that can penetrate obstacles invisible to optical sensors. The acoustic sensor emits sound waves that propagate through obstacles like road work fences and parked cars, reflecting off non-visible vehicles to provide detection capability where traditional radar and camera systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical detection systems (radar, LIDAR, cameras) with an acoustic detection system. By substituting the mechanical/optical sensing approach with acoustic wave propagation and reflection detection, the system gains the ability to detect non-visible vehicles through obstacles that block light and traditional electromagnetic waves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is equipped with proximity sensors emitting periodic pulses, then non-visible vehicles can be detected through obstacles, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic sensor perform multiple functions: emitting detection pulses, receiving reflected signals, processing echo data, and providing warnings to the driver. By integrating these functions into a single sensor system, the patent achieves versatile detection capabilities (detecting visible and non-visible vehicles, determining distance and speed) without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the emitter and receiver functions into a single integrated acoustic sensor system. The same sensor that emits periodic detection pulses also receives the reflected acoustic waves, and the processing unit integrates signal analysis with the existing vehicle's communication systems, merging multiple detection and warning functions into one cohesive system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ultrasonic sensors are used for detection, then the system can operate without disturbing drivers or other road users, but the detection range may be limited compared to radar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulse emission from the acoustic sensor to extend effective detection range. By emitting detection signals at regular intervals and accumulating echo data over multiple cycles, the system compensates for the inherently limited range of ultrasonic waves, achieving reliable detection of non-visible vehicles at distances comparable to or exceeding traditional radar systems while maintaining low disturbance levels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively increases the detection distance for non-visible vehicles, reduces the risk of collisions, and integrates seamlessly with existing automotive systems, enhancing safety without disturbing drivers or other road users, regardless of weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
emitting, by an emitter of the proximity sensor, a proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path
Implementation Method 2
proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path
Implementation Method 3
screening, by a receiver of the proximity sensor, any incoming proximity signal capable of propagating through the air
Implementation Method 4
processing the received proximity signal to detect the non-visible vehicle
Implementation Method 5
processes these signals to determine distance and speed
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting non-visible vehicles in a vehicle's environment includes screening, by a receiver of a proximity sensor, any incoming proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path. Receiving such an incoming proximity signal and processing the received proximity signal allows for detecting an object that is otherwise not visible to a driver or another type of sensor on a vehicle and warning the driver or an advanced driver-assistance system about the detected object.